A NATION UNDER JUDGMENT SPEAKS TO THE U.S.A. :1-50:11 “YOUR BODY HAS BEEN SET FREE, BUT WHAT ABOUT YOUR SOUL AND SPIRIT?”

INTRODUCTION: We celebrate the fact that we are free to enjoy life and make decisions without being subject to others who exercise control over our daily choices. It is something that has been fought for and achieved, and not everyone on earth gets to enjoy that kind of freedom. Many people are still enslaved or imprisoned, some by sinful choices and their consequences, and others because of dominant forces. However, the greater tragedy involves those who are physically free but their souls and spirits are internally imprisoned. They do not know how to experience freedom. They need a Savior who can deliver them.

BACKGROUND: The previous section (Chapters 40-48) focused on the Lord comforting His people and delivering them from and captivity. The remainder of this book emphasizes the personal salvation experience; how the Perfect Servant accomplished it, and the glorious future for believers personally, corporately, and globally, when becomes a saved nation during the Millennial Kingdom.

I. THE NATION OF ISRAEL WAS CALLED TO BE A SERVANT NATION AND LIGHT TO THE NATIONS (GENTILES). THE MESSIAH WOULD COME FROM THAT NATION AND PROVIDE SALVATION FOR BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES. (Isaiah 49:1-13)

A. The Incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ was like God’s “Secret Weapon” that was revealed to accomplish salvation. His Word is more powerful than a two-edged sword, and He will bring glory (recognition and honor) to the Lord God. (Isaiah 49:1-3)

B. Initial rejection of the message appears like failure of the mission, but God’s Servant, Jesus the Christ, will be glorified, and bring restoration and salvation to Israel and the Gentile nations. (Isaiah 49: 4-7)

C. The LORD will provide freedom for His people, setting prisoners free physically and spiritually. He will bring light to those in darkness, provision and guidance for those in need, and the result will be, and should be, praise! (Isaiah 49:8-13)

II. WE MUST ALWAYS SEPARATE “FEELINGS” FROM “FACTS” WHEN FORGIVENESS IS THE TOPIC. THE LORD WILL NEVER FAIL TO KEEP HIS PROMISES OR ABANDON HIS PEOPLE. (Isaiah 49: 14-26)

A. Captivity and consequences caused many Jews, like many of us today, to feel the LORD had forgotten them. It is rare for a mother to forget her nursing child, and impossible for God to forget His promises. His people are “engraved” on His palms and always on His mind. (Isaiah 49:14-17) (Psalm 8:3-4)

B. The Lord is able to change depressing situations into glorious circumstances. His covenant nation will go from feeling abandoned to being overwhelmed with people who have returned to their homeland. (Isaiah 49:18-22)

C. The Lord will turn the tables on those nations that persecuted His people when they acknowledge Him as their LORD, Savior, Redeemer, and Mighty One of Israel. Those who wait on Him (hope in, trust, serve, believe) will never be ashamed or disappointed. (Isaiah 49:23-26) (Romans 5:5;10:11) III. ISRAEL’S HOPE AND OUR HOPE IS ONLY IN THE LORD GOD WHO KEEPS HIS PROMISES AND PERSEVERED TO REDEEM US. (:1-11)

A. Israel felt like the LORD had divorced her, when in fact her sins caused the separation. He never “sold” His authority over their destiny, and never lost His power to redeem.(Isaiah 50:1-3) (:5-8) (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) (Jeremiah 3:3-8)

B. Only those who listen to the Lord know what to say to others. Jesus always said the correct words to every person He encountered. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO SAY AND HOW TO SAY IT? (Isaiah 50:4-5) (:18-20) (Colossians 4:5-6)

C. Isaiah described in detail some of the physical assaults and insults that would transpire towards the Lord Jesus Christ roughly 700 years before they occurred. (Isaiah 50:6)

D. The Lord Jesus did not allow any opposition to hinder Him from fulfilling His mission, because God the Father was with Him. (Isaiah 50:7-9) (Luke 9:51)( IF YOU ARE DOING GOD’S WILL, WHY DO YOU GIVE UP SO EASILY?

E. We can choose to fear the LORD, the Perfect Servant, and walk in His light, or be self-reliant and walk into torment. (Isaiah 50:10-11)

HAVE YOU REALLY BEEN SET FREE? IF SO, DO YOU WAKE UP EACH DAY READY TO LISTEN TO AND OBEY THE LORD WHO HAS MADE YOU FREE?

Dr. Ronald J. Morrison November 15, 2020